Manchester United stunned Liverpool with a 2–1 victory at Anfield on Sunday, condemning the struggling Premier League champions to their fourth consecutive defeat and handing new United boss Ruben Amorim his biggest win in charge. United took an early lead through Bryan Mbeumo, who fired home in the second minute after racing past Virgil van Dijk to meet Amad Diallo’s pass. Liverpool equalised in the 78th minute through Cody Gakpo, but Harry Maguire’s powerful header six minutes from time sealed a dramatic win — and United’s first league triumph at Anfield since 2016. The result marked back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time under Amorim and lifted United to ninth place, just two points behind their fierce rivals. Liverpool’s defeat leaves them four points adrift of leaders Arsenal, deepening the crisis for manager Arne Slot, whose side has now lost to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea, and United in successive matches. Despite heavy investment — nearly £450 million ($604 million) spent on new signings — Slot’s team looked disjointed, with defensive frailties and poor finishing costing them again. Liverpool made a poor start, with Mac Allister briefly going down injured after a collision with Van Dijk in the build-up to United’s opener, but play continued and Mbeumo capitalised ruthlessly. Slot benched high-profile signing Florian Wirtz for the second straight game as he searched for balance between attack and defence, but his side created few clear chances in the first half. Gakpo struck the post from Mohamed Salah’s through ball, while Bruno Fernandes missed a golden opportunity to double United’s advantage. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, rarely tested in the opening half, produced a crucial save to deny Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s £125 million record signing, his first Premier League goal. Although Gakpo eventually drew Liverpool level, Maguire’s decisive late strike — his second goal of the season — silenced the Anfield crowd and handed United a morale-boosting win. For Liverpool, the defeat raises fresh questions about Slot’s tactics and team selection as pressure mounts ahead of their next fixture.
Maguire’s Late Header Sinks Liverpool as Manchester United Seal First Anfield Win Since 2016
